AFL: Masters join the Lions ranks

THE Northern Stars AFL Masters will now officially don the maroon, blue and gold jersey as they take on the title of Moreton Bay Lions AFL Masters.

The team has been based out of the Moreton Bay Lions grounds for almost a decade, but next year they will formally join the fold.

Moreton Bay Lions AFL Masters spokesman Ross Thompson said the move opened up opportunities for players.

"Bringing the Masters officially into the pride give the Moreton Bay Lions a clear pathway from juniors all the way through to masters,” he said.

"It's something that was pre-empted when we moved to the new grounds at Burpengary.”

He said the group was very proud to be wearing the new Lions colours.

"There's going to be a lot of excitement the first time we play in the Moreton Bay Lions uniform - there's a lot of excitement amongst our guys and a lot of others in the competition are excited for us too,” Ross said.

"We've always been aligned with the Lions, but now we have a sense of identity, and the backing and support of a much larger club.”

Moreton Bay Lions chairman Peter Smith said the masters would bring even more for the club.

"A lot of football experience is being injected back into the club to all our players, with more masters players volunteering in various roles,” he said.

"To finally have this loop of experience and knowledge and skill, and be able to rotate that back through - hopefully that will continue for years to come.

"Anyone from six to 60 that wants to come down and try AFL, whether they've played 10 years ago or just want to get a bit of fitness are welcome.”

Ross said interest in the team had already increased with many of the juniors' parents wanting to get involved.

"Anyone over 35 can participate - you can come along and train on Monday and Wednesday nights, and you can play our fixtures games if you choose,” he said.

"We're competitive on the field but it's really about footy for fun.

"We've very much focused on the social aspect within the club and between clubs as well.”

The Masters will kick off as Lions for the first time at a practice match against Sandgate on March 26.

They'll go head-to-head with the South Coast on April 2 for the first official game of the season.